Acute renal failure often develops in patients that are in hospital for other conditions, like surgery, major burns or due to a motor vehicle accident. Urine production slows or stops and waste products and excess water build up. Blood levels of urea and creatinine rise rapidly and these waste products are the diagnostic indicators of ARF. The disturbance of fluid and electrolyte balance, especially elevated potassium, is potentially life threatening.

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ARF affects the functioning of the whole body including the heart, brain, lungs and digestive system. The current tendency is to dialyze patients with acute renal failure early in order to prevent complications. This also simplifies their fluid and electrolyte management and allows for better nutritional support.

Written by Dr K. Coetzee, reviewed by Dr R. Moosa, head of the Renal Unit, Tygerberg Academic Hospital.

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